We had the good fortune of connecting with Jen Dao and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jen, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I always knew I was meant for something beyond the typical 9-5 office grind, even though I’ve had my fair share of those gigs. But once I discovered the magic of cooking and creating content around it, I realized I found my true calling! It’s like my creativity exploded into a culinary masterpiece, and now I get to sprinkle a taste of my Vietnamese culture into everything I do and share it with so many people around the world.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What makes my journey in American Vietnamese cuisine unique is my upbringing in a small Minnesota town, where cultural identity was a puzzle I had to piece together through my parents’ teachings. As I explored beyond my comfort zone, I discovered more about myself and my heritage, blending both worlds into my cooking. It’s a beautiful fusion of Vietnamese and American influences, a reflection of who I am and the love I pour into each dish. My culinary creations speak to the power of believing in yourself and striving for greatness, no matter where you start. I hope to inspire others to follow their dreams and embrace their unique paths to success.

 

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
As a foodie, I firmly believe that exploring a new place is best done through your taste buds! So, I have some fantastic recommendations for you to try out. If you’re craving Korean barbecue, head to Hanu K BBQ in downtown LA. Their meat selections are top-notch, and all dishes are authentic Korean delights. 🇰🇷 For sushi lovers, don’t miss ROL hand rolls, where the fresh hand rolls are a must-try, made within 20 seconds for ultimate flavor. 🍣 For Vietnamese cuisine, OC $7 or Oc and Lau are my top picks for delicious seafood dishes served street-style, reminiscent of the vibrant streets of Vietnam. And if you’re into Chinese food, the dim sum at Seafood Cove is a definite winner with its fresh and daily-made delights. The long line outside speaks volumes about its scrumptiousness!

 

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’ve got to give a huge shoutout to my partner-in-crime and fiance, John Nguyen! He’s been my ultimate cheerleader, going above and beyond to support my foodie dreams. From getting me the latest equipment to being my trusty sous chef and camera man, he’s the real MVP of my culinary adventures! And of course, I can’t forget my amazing foodie community! They all inspire me daily and their unwavering support pushes me to be the best content creator I can be!

 

Website: Jenhdao.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenhdao

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenny.h.dao

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOKfI8wxyCTNVbU733lq6BQ

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jenhdao

Nominate Someone: undefined is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.